NLIS 5
February 10, 2005
(Executive Council)
Premier announces resignation of
Bill Rowe
Premier Danny Williams today announced he has
accepted the resignation of Bill Rowe as the provincial representative in
Ottawa. Mr. Rowe will stay on until March 15.
"Mr. Rowe has told me that his family responsibilities will require him to be
present in St. John�s in the future, and I have accepted this," Premier Williams
said. "I appreciate the work he has done in establishing the Office of
Provincial Representative in Ottawa. His advice on key federal-provincial issues
has been invaluable, particularly during our discussions with the federal
government on health care reform and the Atlantic Accord."
Mr. Rowe says he deeply regrets having to resign. "While there remain many
issues facing the province that demand greater attention by the federal
government, it has been a great privilege to work in Ottawa on behalf of the
people of Newfoundland and Labrador, especially during these past months when
Atlantic Accord discussions were reaching a magnificent fulfillment, " he said.
Mr. Rowe was appointed in July as the province's representative in the
newly-created Newfoundland and Labrador Office of Federal-Provincial Relations
in Ottawa. The provincial representative provides a stronger presence in Ottawa,
and helps focus national attention on the province's concerns with fishery
management, equalization, resource benefits and other issues affecting people
and the economy.
"The Office of Provincial Representative remains critical to ensuring the
provincial government's voice is heard in Ottawa," said the premier. "In
addition to our Members of Parliament, a dedicated effort by the Office of the
Provincial Representative ensures that we are exercising every opportunity to
influence the federal government's direction on issues vital to the province."
A decision on a replacement has not yet been made.
Media contact:
Ken Morrissey, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-4304
Bill Rowe, Provincial Representative, (613) 232-4040
2005 02 10
1:35 p.m. |